“Caged”
timothymichaelmusic
20 JUL  2020

V1.
The colors in the artist’s strokes.
Trying to capture all the folks.
They begin to cage them all in huddled masses.
Paint the picture they want you to see.
The story isn’t you and me
When you’re looking through their rosy colored glasses.

Peeling back layer by layer.
Each shade gets a little grayer.
As you get closer and closer to the core.
Wishing it could be better
But right down to the letter
Looks like we’re headed right back where we were before

Chorus:
Am I alive or in a dream?
Interchangeable it seems.
It’s all just an illusion to stay inspired.
Freedom isn’t really free.
It’s a trap that you can’t see.
It’s the space between the bars that caged the tiger.

V2.
I stare into the looking glass.
Is this the future or the past?
Maybe it will always be the same.
Counter clockwise around the clock
And the alarm clock’s going off.
Revelation that everything is just a game

Is this live or Memorex?
Just sorting through the mess.
Unfocused picture seems a little out of kilter
Do I believe in what I see?
Is this where we want to be?
Everything just looks a little better through a filter.


Chorus:
Am I alive or in a dream?
Interchangeable it seems.
It’s all just an illusion to stay inspired.
Freedom isn’t really free.
It’s a trap that you can’t see.
It’s the space between the bars that caged the tiger.

Bridge 
Fingerprint upon the blotter
Like sheep led to the slaughter
You never had a thought that this could happen

They just keep us all divided
Creating problems for the fighting
And then you’ll realize they caught you nappin’

Chorus:
Am I alive or in a dream?
Interchangeable it seems.
It’s all just an illusion to stay inspired.
Freedom isn’t really free.
It’s a trap that you can’t see.
It’s the space between the bars that caged the tiger.







Caged (2025) (Cover)

Old Keys
TimothyMichaelMusic
13 OCT 2021

V1.
The key to leaving behind the past
Is to lock it up and walk away.
And if I never shut that door
I’d always be tempted to stay
But this door looks like a mirror
And this reflection’s starting to show it
It don’t take much to quit 
And I’ll be gone before you know it.

Chorus
In the junk drawer in my kitchen
There’s a ring that’s filled with keys
They unlock everything I’ve owned
And they aid in my disease
I never want to turn back time
And be the things I was before
I’d be better off if I lost every one,
Because old keys don’t open new doors.

V2.
There’s the key to my first apartment.
The one we shared before I got burned
And the keys to every car I’ve crashed
And the lessons that I learned.
The keys to my failed hopes and dreams
The ones that you begged me to start.
And then there’s the key I hate the most
The one that unlocks my great big heart.

Chorus
In the junk drawer in my kitchen
There’s a ring that’s filled with keys
They unlock everything I’ve owned
And they aid in my disease
I never want to turn back time
And be the things I was before
I’d be better off if I lost every one,
Because old keys don’t open new doors

Bridge
The key to moving forward
And the key to moving on
Are the only keys I’m taking 
‘Cos I’m packed up and gone

Chorus
In the junk drawer in my kitchen
There’s a ring that’s filled with keys
They unlock everything I’ve owned
And they aid in my disease
I never want to turn back time
And be all the things I was before
I’d be better off if I lost every one,
Because old keys don’t open new doors



Old Keys (2025)

Eyes Like Mine
timothymichaelmusic
14 JAN 2024

V1
I laced up those blue tennis shoes
And wiped my tears onto my sleeve
I knew I had to go that day
But it was so damn hard to leave
I kept that t-shirt from your birth day
The last time that I held you
This Teddy Bear’s from your grandma
That I’d love to give to you

Chorus
It’s a mother’s love that let you go
And I hope now you can see
That this mother’s love’s still growing
Even though you’re not with me
I’d love to meet you sometime
But, I’m afraid to cross the line.
Would I know you if I saw you?
Do you have dark eyes like mine?

V2.
Are you happy with the life you have?
I bet you’re everything I dreamed.
When we take our family photographs
I feel you right here next to me.
I wear that T-shirt on your birthday
So I can smell you once again
I know someday there’ll be a time
When I’ll hold you and not pretend

Chorus
It’s a mother’s love that let you go
And I hope now you can see
That this mother’s love’s still growing
Even though you’re not with me
I’d love to meet you sometime
But, I’m afraid to cross the line.
Would I know you if I saw you?
Do you have dark eyes like mine?

Bridge
I still believe in that decision
I pray adoption did you right
But wondering where you might be right now
Keeps me up so late at night

Chorus
I’d love to meet you sometime
But, I’m afraid to cross that line.
Would I know you if I saw you?
Do you have dark eyes like mine?










Eyes Like Mine (2025 RD5)

As Good As Good Can Get
Timothymichaelmusic
26 AUG 2021

V1.
I’ve been wrong on first impressions
I’ve been right on second chances
I’ve loved and lost 
And had some failed romances.
With lessons learned and tables turned
I’ve got a brand new plan
I just take them one day at a time
And live the best I can.

Chorus
Did I get old too soon
Or did I get wise too late.
Whichever way, I’m thankful for
What brought me to today
I guess I’ll always wonder 
If I’m where I’m headed yet
But I’ve got the feeling
Life’s as good as good can get

V2.
I’ve never been the kind to live 
Just sitting on the sidelines
But I’ve learned to use some self-control
And live within the guidelines
I took a good look at the good book
And corrected my wayward ways
Now I’m living in the moments
Of my very best days

Chorus
Did I get old too soon
Or did I get wise too late.
Whichever way, I’m thankful for
What brought me to today
I guess I’ll always wonder 
If I’m where I’m headed yet
But I’ve kinda got the feeling
Life’s as good as good can get


Chorus
Did I get old too soon
Or did I get wise too late.
Whichever way, I’m thankful for
What brought me to today
I guess I’ll always wonder 
If I’m where I’m headed yet
But I’ve kinda got the feeling
Life’s as good as good can get





As Good As Good Can Get (Cover)

Sucker Punched
TimothyMichaelMusic
08 SEP 2025

V1.
Oh, man of God
Come join the fight
You can’t play it safe
If you want meaning in your life
Do you think that Jesus promised
To make all your dreams come true?
He said He’d be there in your corner
Fighting the good fight with you

Chorus
I can do hard things.
I was born for this.
Open war is cast upon us
A life of purpose requires risk
The line between good and evil
Cuts through the heart of every man
I’ll stand and fight against it
So I’m not sucker punched again

V2.
Good vibes can’t be the focus
Nor approval though good deeds
I can’t life hack my way to Heaven
If I make it all about me.
It’s focused faithful acts of intention
Not random acts of kindness
I’m gonna fight my way to Heaven
When we leave this world behind us

Chorus
I can do hard things.
I was born for this.
Open war is cast upon us
A life of purpose requires risk
The line between good and evil
Cuts through the heart of every man
I’ll stand and fight against it
So I’m not sucker punched again


Bridge
Righteousness, peace and joy
Only come when you bend the knee
Go all in with Jesus
And the fight will set you free

Chorus
I can do hard things.
I was born for this.
Open war is cast upon us
A life of purpose requires risk
The line between good and evil
Cuts through the heart of every man
I’ll stand and fight against it
So I’m not sucker punched again

So I’m not sucker punched again





Sucker Punched (Cover)

If The Beer Could Talk
timothymichaelmusic
16 SEP 2025

V1.
This day’s been moving slow
But it’s finally five
And the fact that it’s Friday’s
Bringing me back to life
It’s been calling my name
Since about 9 o’clock
And here’s what it’d say
If the beer could talk

Chorus
Tell me about your day,
How you doing friend?
It’s a long way to the bottom
But I’m here to the end.
If you can keep up with me
I’ll make you the cock of the walk
That’s what it’d say…
…If the beer could talk

V2.
The bottle looked at me
And I looked at the can
One said to the other
He’s one hell of a dancer man.
Have you ever seen him fight?
That’s when I knew I was in trouble
That fist hit me I dropped to one knee
And I started seeing double

Chorus
It’s one hell of a day
Hang in there mi amigo
The night’s still pretty young
But we’ll share more of what we know
If you can keep up with us
We’ll make you the cock of the walk
That’s what it’d say…
…If the beers could talk

Bridge
You’d better chug one more
Before this story’s done
Call the bar-keep over
And order another one

It’s you and me buddy
So stick to the plan
I’m bringing plenty of friends
In cold aluminum cans

Chorus
It’s been a hell of a day,
You killed it my friend.
It’s a long way to the bottom
But we’re here at the end
You went balls to the wall right up to last call
But you’d better go sleep it off
That’s what it’d say…
…If the beer could talk

You went balls to the wall right up to last call
So you’d better go sleep it off
That’s what it’d say…

…If the beer could talk


If The Beer Could Talk (2025-re-write) (Cover5)

Compared To Me
timothymichaelmusic
14 OCT 2022

v1.
Am I running with the right crowd?
Am I wearing the right brand?
Do you approve the type of car I drive?
Do I stream the proper bands?
Did you see my newest Tiktok?
Did you like my latest tweet?
I think I might be too concerned
With what you think of me.

Chorus
Compared to me I’m better
Than I was yesterday
Compared to me it’s progress
Towards finding a better way
I shouldn’t have to care about it
But, I think that you’ll agree
I’m liking what I’m see
Compared to me

V2.
I need to take a step back
I need to re-evaluate
Am I giving things of value?
Or am I only on the take?
Why do I feel I need approval?
Why do I feel I must fit in?
I need to get back to doing
The right things for me again.

Chorus
Compared to me I’m better
Than I was yesterday
Compared to me it’s progress
Towards finding a better way
I don’t have to care about it
But, I think that you’ll agree
I’m liking what I see
Compared to me

Bridge
It’s time to get back to doing
The right things for the right reasons
I’m just a work in progress
That’s nowhere near completion

Chorus
Compared to me I’m better
Than I was yesterday
Compared to me it’s progress
Towards finding a better way
I don’t have to care about it
But, I think that you’ll agree
I’m liking what I see
Compared to me

Outro
I don’t need your approval
I’m glad I finally see
I only need to compare myself
To me










Compared To Me (2025) (Cover)

He’ll Use It
TimothyMichaelMusic
14 OCT 2025

V1.
If someone breaks your heart
He’ll use it
If someone wrecks your car
He’ll use it
If your health is in decline
Or if you’re feeling worthless
He’ll use everything that hurts you
God takes pain and gives it purpose

Chorus
He turns losses into victory 
Where the losing helps you win
He turns tragedy to triumph
Over and over again
He turns pain into the healing
That takes the hurt away
Turning yesterday’s sorrows
Into happy tears today
He brings joy out of the mourning
He turns darkness into light
He turns grief into glory
To make every wrong go right

V2.
If your home is destroyed
He’ll use it
If you end up unemployed
He’ll use it
If your family falls away
Just keep praying every day
He’ll Use every block placed against you
To clear the way

Chorus
He turns losses into victory 
Where the losing helps you win
He turns tragedy to triumph
Over and over again
He turns pain into the healing
That takes the hurt away
Turning yesterday’s sorrows
Into happy tears today
He brings joy out of the mourning
He turns darkness into light
He turns grief into glory
To make every wrong go right

Bridge
For those who love God 
All things work out as they should
He turns every evil into good

Chorus
He turns losses into victory 
Where the losing helps you win
He turns tragedy to triumph
Over and over again
He turns pain into the healing
That takes the hurt away
Turning yesterday’s sorrows
Into happy tears today
He brings joy out of the mourning
He turns darkness into light
He turns grief into glory
To make every wrong go right

He'll Use It (2025) (Cover)

Addicted To Me
timothymichaelmusic
01 OCT 2023

V1
I’ve got a sparkling personality
When I’m mixed with something clear
And if the game’s on TV
You won’t find me without a beer
When I shoot tequila
I’m quite the sight to see

Maybe the alcohol’s addicted to me

Chorus
We’re quite the combination 
Mixed as a tropical libation
We never miss the opportunity
(Break)
I’m pretty fun on punch and rum
So pour me up another one
Maybe the alcohol’s addicted to me
Addicted to Me

V2
Whiskey makes me take more chances
With my epic bar room dances
My wild side starts feeling way too free

I’d hate to contradict ‘em
What if alcohol’s the victim
And it’s the one that needs to be set free

Maybe the alcohol’s addicted to me

Chorus
We’re quite the combination 
Mixed as a tropical libation
We never miss the opportunity
I’m pretty fun on punch and rum
So pour me up another one
Maybe the alcohol’s addicted to me

Bridge
It wasn’t what I was expecting
Some folks say I’m deflecting
And others simply see it’s sad but true
But If you start to thinking
About all the things you’re drinking
Maybe the alcohol’s addicted to you too.

Chorus
We’re quite the combination 
Mixed as a tropical libation
We never miss the opportunity

I’m pretty fun on punch and rum
So pour me up another one
Maybe the alcohol’s addicted to me

Maybe the alcohol’s addicted to me


Addicted To Me (2025) (Cover)

Under Every Bridge
Timothymichaelmusic
21 SEP 2023

V1.
Not a single stop light
Too small for a Walmart
But we turned finding trouble
Into a work of art
We sailed that Silverado
Toward things that were forbidden
And followed the treasure map
To where the bottles were hidden

Chorus
We’d hit that first bridge south of town
Even though it seemed so risky
We’d climb out with Coke on ice
‘Cos that’s where we hid the whiskey
Didn’t have to be a weekend
To find a party where we lived
And if you’re out near my home town
There’s a bottle under every bridge

V2
Cranked up and country cruising
We’d head west towards the sun
“Pirate Bridge” near Johnson’s place
Is where we hid the rum.
We saved tequila for the lake
And meet the girls around 9 o’clock
And when they smiled it got wet and wild
And the clothes were coming off.

Chorus
We’d hit that first bridge south of town
Even though it seemed so risky
We’d climb out with Coke on ice
‘Cos that’s where we hid the whiskey
Didn’t have to be a weekend
To find a party where we lived
And if you’re out near my home town
There’s a bottle under every bridge

Bridge
Not one of us was old enough
But no one seemed to care
Ain’t no rules for a bunch of fools
That will always take the dare

Chorus
We’d hit that first bridge south of town
Even though it seemed so risky
We’d climb out with Coke on ice
‘Cos that’s where we hid the whiskey
Didn’t have to be a weekend
To find a party where we lived
And if you’re out near my home town
There’s a bottle under every bridge

Didn’t have to be a weekend
To find a party where we lived
And if you’re out near my home town
There’s a bottle under every bridge

There’s a bottle under every bridge

There’s a bottle under every bridge


Under Every Bridge (Cover)

Strongest Thing I See
timothymichaelmusic
29 SEP 2023

V1.
Today life beat me to the punch
And held me on the ropes
With each blow that was landed
I started losing hope
And everything I’m facing
Feels like another bout I’m losing
I could run back to the bottle
Or I can fight the urge for boozing

Chorus
I can see right through the vodka
And the rum’s still pretty clear
When I need a friend to lean on
I won’t find one in the beer
The demons in the whiskey
Ain’t gonna get the best of me
My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see

V2
Duck and cover, bob and weave
I’ll show life what I’ve got
Jab and move, defend the heart
And wait to take my shot
This old fight might take all night
But round by round I’ll make it
Stick to the plan, they’ll raise my hand
Pound for pound I am the greatest

Chorus
‘Cos I can see right through the vodka
And the rum’s still pretty clear
When I need a friend to lean on
I won’t find one in the beer
The demons in the whiskey
Ain’t gonna get the best of me
My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see
Bridge
So I’ll two step around the bottle
My whining don’t need the wine
And pour some ice cold water
On these open wounds of mine]

Chorus
‘Cos I can see right through the vodka
And the rum’s still pretty clear
When I need a friend to lean on
I won’t find one in the beer
The demons in the whiskey
Ain’t gonna get the best of me
My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see

My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see








Strongest Thing I See (2025) (Cover)

Lyricist looking to connect with artists in the country genre that are searching for great songs to record. Also open to co-writes. Regularly pitching music to Nashville publishers and song pluggers. Primarily country genre. Mid 50s, married. 6 kids and 10 grandkids in a beautifully blended family. Enjoys golf, working out, nature/lakes, and listening to live music every chance I get!

Strongest Thing I See (2025) (Cover)

Timothy Michael Music - SONGWRITER